FMUC welcomes four new full professors and one coordinating investigator

“It is with deep honour, joy, gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility that we address you on this very special occasion.” With these words, Ana Bela Sarmento Ribeiro, speaking on behalf of the five colleagues, opened her speech at the ceremony marking the appointment of the new full professors and coordinating investigator at FMUC.
Ana Bela Cruz Ribeiro, Rufino Martins da Silva, Manuel Marques Ferreira and Ana Cristina Carvalho Rego took up their positions as full professors on 24 July, while Henrique Girão assumed the role of coordinating investigator at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra (FMUC). The event was held in the Senate Hall of the University of Coimbra.

She warmly acknowledged the support of family members, friends, students, staff, colleagues, and mentors. “Our gratitude extends to our mentors, lecturers and university staff, whose support and example have guided us throughout this journey in an environment of complete freedom — as it should be in the academic world,” she noted.

The newly appointed full professors and coordinating investigator expressed a clear awareness of the responsibilities entrusted to them, stressing their commitment to meeting the demands of their new roles. “This is not the end of a journey, the closing of a chapter or a career award. Rather, it is an opportunity to embrace new challenges and take on more demanding and ambitious commitments, with renewed enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. We will continue to contribute to a university that is critical, creative, and committed to humanistic education and scientific excellence.”

Speaking on behalf of herself, the newly appointed full professors and the coordinating investigator, Ana Bela Sarmento Ribeiro assured the UC Rector, Amílcar Falcão, and the Director of FMUC, Carlos Robalo Cordeiro, of their shared commitment to serving the University and the Faculty of Medicine to the highest standards. “You can count on our determination, loyalty and dedication to the duties entrusted to us,” they pledged, “and we will do everything in our power to uphold the dignity of the University and raise its profile both nationally and internationally. This is how we wish to be part of the Faculty of Medicine.”

Recognising the day as a moment of celebration for the new full professors and coordinating investigator, as well as their families and friends, the Rector expressed his gratitude to all present. He acknowledged the role of family as a “safe harbour” and noted the challenges of an academic career, describing it as “very demanding” and “highly competitive.”

Amílcar Falcão emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating that “the Faculty of Medicine is stronger today, and a stronger Faculty means a stronger University of Coimbra — which is what we are all working towards.”

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Faculty of Medicine for their dedication and hard work in recent years.